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I wanted to post a personal note about a subject that is always a “hot topic” in industry news: proper fit, function and the sizing of bras. Everywhere you look, a news outlet is talking about how many women are wearing the wrong size bra. And in the past year or so, we have seen numerous brands and businesses attempting to resolve this issue with new fit techniques, new sizing systems, innovative business models, at-home fittings, subscription services, apps, algorithms, etc, etc. As we all know from working in this industry, it’s not easy to properly fit a woman to make sure she is in the best sized bra for her. That is where Ali Cudby comes into the picture!

Ali Cudby, the author of Busted! The Fab Foundations Guide to Bras that Fit, Flatter and Feel Fantastic, started the FabFit Academy where you can take a virtual certification course to become an expert fitter! I highly regard Ali’s methodology and suggest that you arm yourself with the expertise to give you the competitive edge that is so desperately needed to stand out in this difficult market. In my business, I am always looking for ways to differentiate my services and provide added value. Here’s one opportunity to set yourself apart!

Whether you are an emerging brand, start-up company, manufacturer, retailer or other industry pro, you can benefit from Ali’s course. It’s in our best interest to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings in the business.

Because I believe in Ali’s expertise and want to see all of us excel in our respective businesses, I am offering a 1 Hour FREE Skype Video Chat Consultation to anyone that signs up for Ali’s upcoming course using this link:

Ali has extended the deadline to register….. exclusively for friends of Bra La Mode….Register by Tuesday, October 22nd!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hone your skills and ultimately increase your revenues.

May All of your Dreams Become a Reality!

Moira

Only 1 FREE Hour Skype Video Chat Consultation per Registrant. New Clients Only. You will be contacted to schedule your 1 FREE Hour by November 15, 2013. FREE Consultation to take place prior to February 1, 2014.

February is one of the busiest months of the year for the Intimate Apparel industry. This week is “Market Week” in the mass wholesale side of the business. Major retailers fly into New York from all over the country to shop for Fall ’13 and to preview product for Spring ’14.

Boutiques and brands are making every possible last ditch effort to capitalize on Valentine’s Day.

The annual FEMMY Gala was held Tuesday night at Cipriani 42nd Street. Again this year, the “Intimate Affair” was hosted by Carson Kressley. This year’s Student Design Contest was sponsored by Penn Asia Co., Ltd., Regina Miracle International Ltd. and Stretchline Holdings Ltd. And the theme of the Student Design Contest was “Midnight Garden” – Seduction of Flowers.

We wrap up the month with Curve NY at Jacob Javits from February 24th – 26th. The Lingerie Collective is making its debut in NYC and the world’s first fashion week dedicated to the intimate apparel industry, LingerieFW, is launching on February 22nd. And of course, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is February 7th through the 14th.

Here are a few highlights in other lingerie news and upcoming events:

I’m excited to announce that my friend and fellow Lingerie Briefs columnist, Ali Cudby, Bra Fit Coach and bestselling author of the lingerie book Busted! The Fab Foundations® Guide to Bras That Fit, Flatter and Feel Fantastic has launched the FabFit™ Academy, a comprehensive, online certification course in bra fitting. The course begins with some complimentary videos designed expressly for the lingerie industry, and offers essential training for people working in all sectors of intimates, from retailers and manufacturers to bloggers and sales reps. “The best assurance of a profitable return in any Lingerie business is to be consistently trained in the art of bra fitting,” says industry veteran and Lingerie Briefs Publisher Ellen Lewis. The FabFit™ Academy offers complimentary online training videos in advance of course registration at FabFitAcademy.com.

On Monday evening, the NYC-based handmade lingerie company RELIQUE hosted an “Intimate Affair” to preview their Fall/Winter 2013 Collection. The brand uses graphic lingerie shapes accented with experimental fabric dyeing and trimming combinations. The focus in each collection is lingerie that is meant to be seen as a piece of fashion rather than traditional lingerie, while still keeping its sex appeal. Designers Chelsea Carson and Kait Vasquez believe that lingerie doesn’t need to be just for the bedroom or hidden under clothing; it should be an enhancement to an outfit. By taking a more modern approach in design, they want to fill the gap between basics and special occasion and give lingerie an outerwear functionality.

New York-based independent brands Lola Haze Lingerie and Victoria Bekerman Jewelry invite you to their Valentine’s Quickie Pop-Up Shop located at the RS Pop Space – 501 Lexington Avenue between 47th & 48th Streets, NYC. The “fling” is running February 1st through the 14th from 10am-8pm and includes discounts of up to 50% off on select items. In addition to every day shopping, you can join them for a special Valentine’s shopping event on February 12th from 5-9pm. Sip wine, receive personalized shopping consultations from the designers, and sneak a preview of the Lola Haze Fall/Winter 2013 collection. For 24/7 indulgence, visit http://www.lolahaze.com and enter code LolaLove20 for 20% off sitewide.

Sweetest Sin in Red Bank, N.J. is hosting their annual Valentine’s Day Soiree this Thursday, February 7th from 6:00-9:00pm. You can expect free gifts from brands such as Hanky Panty & Booty Parlor AND the event will feature special guests from LELO, the world’s leading designer brand for intimate lifestyle products.

The Fitting Room, a chic bra fitting boutique in Grayslake, Illinois and Eminjayin Productions are co-hosting a Valentine’s Day themed Lingerie Fashion Show Benefit Event to raise funds for The Sandy Hook School Support Fund. In addition to the Lingerie Fashion Show, the festive affair will include a burlesque show, raffle prizes, cocktails provided courtesy of The Vine, a DJ and a photo booth. The event organizers will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Newtown/Sandy Hook families and schools. The event is taking place on Saturday, February 9th from 7-10pm at The Studio.

Chez Johnson of byChez Designer Lingerie Boutique is featuring her collections in a Trunk Show on Sunday, February 10th from 4-9pm. The “Intimate Affair” called “Welcome to the Sweet Life” is being hosted by Posh Beauté in SoHo, NYC (and is also the location for the affair.) The event will offer sweet treats, a candied cocktail concoction, a champagne hour from 6-7pm and a lot of fun!

SAVE THE DATE – Lauren Rich, founder of RICHPR and LingerieFW, is planning a party to celebrate the close of Lingerie Fashion Week (LingerieFW) which is set to debut on February 22nd. The “Intimate Affair” will be sponsored in part by The Lingerie Journal and The Lingerie Alliance and will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 following the last runway show of the day. Details to follow….

Mark your calendars for these upcoming “Intimate Affairs” which are taking place here in the USA and around the World:

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to give yourself or your loved one lingerie. This year, technology enabled brands like Ampere are making it easier for men and women alike.

Ampere is a vertically integrated (meaning they design, manufacture and distribute their own products) luxury lingerie line sold exclusively online. Their gorgeous first collection comes in a wide range of sizes and their pieces are made with luxurious materials such as American made leavers lace and 100% silk lining in every bra.

Customers can find their Ampere size with a simple conversion chart or by measuring themselves with a free measuring kit. Every bra order comes with a free matching panty, her recommended Ampere size and two sister sizes so that she can try them on in the comfort of her own home. Free shipping, free returns and excellent customer service completes the Ampere experience.

This also makes it much easier to buy lingerie as a gift. With three sizes to try on, the chances of your gift actually fitting is greatly increased.

By selling exclusively online, Ampere is able to offer all of this at a very reasonable price point.

Here are a few great Valentine’s Day gift options from Ampere:

1) Madison Romper ($145): The luxurious Madison Romper makes the perfect gift if you have no clue what her bra sizes is. It’s classic feminine design exudes luxury yet it’s comfortable for her and extraordinarily soft to your touch. Constructed with the finest silk charmeuse and accented with silk chiffon and lace detail.

2) Gramercy and/or Chelsea Thongs ($25): Ampere thongs are the perfect gift on their own or as a sensual accompaniment to something else. They are designed to make a woman look and feel sexy while being comfortable enough to take her from day to night.

3) Gramercy and/or Chelsea Bras ($95): Give her something you’ll both love. Ampere push up bras will make her look amazing and feel confident. Don’t know her exact size? Sneak a peek in her delicates drawer or take your best guess. We’ll lend you a hand by sending you three sizes for her to try on. You’ll have until February 24th to return or exchange any unwanted sizes. Crafted with a luxurious scalloped, gold bourdon yarn embellished lace and silk lining, each bra order comes with a FREE matching panty.

4) E-Gift Card ($25 – $145): Let HER surprise YOU this Valentine’s day. Give her an E-Gift Card so that she can pick her favorite Ampere piece.

All too often curvaceous women have to settle for ill-fitting, frumpy looking bras while their smaller counterparts get to enjoy the luxury of fashion forward designs. Dora Lau, president of Dora L. Inc., became frustrated with the small selection of beautiful, well priced bras for full figured women and decided to launch Curvy Couture, a collection that uses the latest technologies to create intimate apparel that enhances a woman’s curves and makes her feel wonderful.

After graduating from FIDM, Dora Lau started her career in Full Figure eveningwear. This experience working with beautiful, luxurious fabrics gave her the push to begin working in the intimate apparel industry. Since then, Dora has been manufacturing bras for top brands for over 25 years, including the likes of Victoria’s Secret and Lane Bryant.

The brand offers solutions to women who all too often have to compromise themselves by wearing bras and panties that do not fit correctly. Oftentimes this results in pained shoulders from straps that are too tight and dig into the skin. Curvy Couture offers products that lift the bosom and allow women to feel confident showing their curves without hiding under loose tops.

Curvy Couture has been in the making for many years, but only recently has Dora been able to set aside the funds to make her dream of offering affordable and beautiful bras to full figured women a reality. Launching the new label and branching out into e-commerce offers customers the latest fabrics and trims utilizing the latest innovation and technology to enhance fit and comfort. “Retail stores have been reluctant to carry curvy lingerie nor do they have a special section to service my customer. I believe e-commerce is the best way to reach out to my girls. She will enjoy the luxury of fitting our bras with total privacy at home, or wherever she prefers, and does not have to deal with the pressure of being intruded by sales associates in stores,” says Dora.

Dora grew up in the world of entertainment, with her parents owning a record label in Hong Kong. She was able to be very much involved with the dressing of her parents’ singers for performances and gained an appreciation for fashion and flair. As a result, it came as no surprise that inspiration for the launch collection came from Hollywood glamour and the Art Deco era.

One of the most intimidating aspects of purchasing a bra online is the fear that it will not fit. However, Dora has done away with this fear by offering a unique feature called Pick 2 on Curvy Couture’s e-commerce site that allows women to choose two bras to test for size and fit. The bra that does not work is simply returned.

Currently Curvy Couture offers styles in C-DD cup sizes, but Dora plans on expanding the size range to include F, G, and H cups in spring 2013. Other endeavors for the brand include producing a line of sports bras that are easy to put on without causing a heart attack to take off as well as a line of light shapewear that is easy to wear and provides sculpture for curves.

It will certainly be exciting to see how the brand develops throughout this coming year and beyond. The lingerie industry could definitely use more entrepreneurs like Dora who realize that full figured women want to celebrate their curves and not hide them.

We’re halfway through January… Can you believe it? That means Valentine’s Day is just a month away! I think of Valentine’s Day as the Super Bowl of the Intimate Apparel industry. I can’t think of any other Holiday that almost requires a lingerie purchase, can you?

I’d love to hear your innovative merchandising strategies for increasing sales between now and February 14th. Are you having a sale? Offering a Gift-with-Purchase? An in-store event? Last year, Margo Andros of The Pink Slip in NYC’s Grand Central Station marketed a “Dear John” campaign which targeted the men that frequent her store. She sent out a hand-written note to her best male clientele. Margo recognizes the fact that men appreciate convenience and ease of purchase (especially when it comes to buying underthings for their loved ones!) So she offered three Ready-To-Give “Packages” to remove the guesswork for the fellas, including optional delivery / messenger service. It was genius, and proved to be a real success. What do you have up your sleeve? If you are planning something special, please let me know. I would be happy to post it in my Weekly Column.

Here are a few upcoming “Intimate Affairs” (some of which are Valentine’s Day centric):

Tonight, Bare Necessities is hosting fashion’s first LIVE webcast featuring bra fit experts, sexy models, real-time audience Q&A, and lots of special features (and a viewer-only secret deal). The “Intimate Affair” is being hosted by Bra Fit Expert Freddy Zappe of Eveden and Bare Necessities’ Erin McLaughlin. Log on at 7:00pm EST and use hashtag #BAREFIT.

Linger in Spring Lake, N.J. is hosting the “Linger Mingler,” a Men’s Night Out on January 31st from 6:30-8:00pm. The “Intimate Affair” will feature a LIVE Fashion Show and complimentary cocktails.

The Underfashion Club is hosting its annual FEMMY Gala on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Cipriani 42nd Street, NYC. Again this year, the “Intimate Affair” will be hosted by Carson Kressley. This year’s Student Design Contest is sponsored by Penn Asia Co., Ltd., Regina Miracle International Ltd. And Stretchline Holdings Ltd. The theme is “Midnight Garden” – Seduction of Flowers. The Underfashion Club will be presenting FEMMY Awards to Bloomingdale’s, Cosabella and The Lenzing Group, the Innovation Award is being presented to Hautelook, and the Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient is Josie Natori of The Natori Company. For additional information regarding ticket purchase or to sponsor a table or to advertise in the event program, visit www.underfashionclub.org.

Sweetest Sin in Red Bank, N.J. is hosting their annual Valentine’s Day Soiree on Thursday, February 7th from 6:00-9:00pm. You can expect free gifts from brands such as Hanky Panty & Booty Parlor AND the event will feature special guests from LELO, the world’s leading designer brand for intimate lifestyle products.

Bare Necessities is hosting a LIVE fit event this Wednesday in New York City! This will be fashion’s first LIVE webcast featuring bra fit experts, sexy models, real-time audience Q&A, and lots of special features (and a viewer-only secret deal). This is a totally up-close and personal experience featuring Eveden bra fit expert, Freddy Zappe and Bare Necessities’ Erin McLaughlin! Freddy and Erin will show women how to measure themselves properly, how to find the perfect fitting bra, and how to know the difference between a very good bra and an ill-fitting bra.

Freddy Zappe has conducted one-on-one fit sessions internationally for over 16 years, so viewers are in for a real treat during this live streaming video event. Viewers will get to participate during the show by submitting questions via Twitter, Facebook, and live chat, and have a select number of them answered during the show.

Happy New Year! For me, the New Year is a great time for reflection. Many years ago I started a habit of keeping a journal. I am not one to write in it daily; but I make it a point to pull it out in the first part of January to write out my accomplishments from the previous year and to list out my goals, hopes, dreams and initiatives for the coming year (both personal and professional.) It’s fascinating to look at what was written the previous January. Most of the time, I forget what I wrote! Usually, the goals that were set have been accomplished (in some shape or form.) And more often than not, the outcome is far better than I could have imagined! So before I get you up to speed on the upcoming “Intimate Affairs,” I’d like to reflect back on 2012.

In 2012, we saw the launch of several new independent brands including Angela Friedman, Nevaeh Intimates, Fleur du Mal, Cheeki brand and Rouge Séduire among others. Julie Sygiel re-launched the revolutionary, absorbent, leak-proof and stain-resistant underthings now known as Dear Kate. And the Empowered By You panty was launched which enables underprivileged women to spearhead their own businesses.

The lingerie blogosphere expanded to include new bloggers and other independent intimate apparel professionals including my personal new fave, Caro the Lingerie Lesbian!

In ecommerce retailing, we saw new methods of marketing and selling intimates from sites including True & Co., IntiMint, AdoreMe.com and Ampere. Ecom retailers are offering lingerie subscription services and other innovative methods of retailing.

I witnessed an increased awareness of the importance of a proper fit. There were numerous online “debates” regarding the best way to fit, vanity sizing and so on. More and more brands, manufacturers and retailers are paying closer attention to the needs specific to the full-figure and full-busted consumer. Early last year, Bare Necessities launched their sister site, Bare Plus, which is an online shopping environment dedicated to this consumer.

Several e-tailers made an attempt to answer the question of how to get a proper fit when purchasing online. HerRoom.com launched the proprietary “Know your Breasts Bra Finder” questionnaire which purports to help you discover your best bra styles. And Freshpair.com re-launched their website which now includes more personalized services such as an At-Home Bra Fit Service and a Men’s Underwear Club. Freshpair also celebrated the 10th Anniversary of National Underwear Day by hosting a one-of-a-kind “It’s Time for a Change” pop-up store experience in New York City in August.

In August of 2012, my partner Luis Paredes, publisher of The Lingerie Journal (and The Business of Pleasure,) and I launched the online collaborative community of intimate apparel professionals known as The Lingerie Alliance. The Lingerie Alliance was inspired by the Brand Affair Marketing and PR Panel Discussion we hosted during February Market 2012. The Brand Affair proved to us that there is a need for a collaborative community of lingerie professionals as well as education, information and resources. Throughout the year, we sponsored several events including NOLCHA Fashion Week’s Closing Party and the non-profit fundraisers PinkChoseMe’s BRA Day USA 2012 and Go Naked and Check Yourself. We ended the year with a fun “Festive Affair” Holiday Networking Social which represented our vision for The Lingerie Alliance. The coming year will bring more events, workshops and seminars tailored specifically for today’s intimate apparel professional and we hope to have the membership functionality for the site itself completed before Summer.

Lauren Rich of RICHPR announced that she will be launching LingerieFW in New York City in February 2013. LingerieFW will be the first fashion week dedicated to intimate apparel brands.

In late October, the northeast suffered the wrath of Hurricane Sandy which delayed the quarterly wholesale market week and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses including my friend Marla Wink’s lingerie store, Indian Summer, in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, New Jersey. (I’m happy to report that Marla is as determined as ever to rebuild her store and is hopeful that she will re-open her doors in time for the busy Summer selling season down the shore.)

The Lingerie Collective is coming to New York City in February 2013! The boutique trade show is well-known in London for featuring British and international emerging brands with a focus on innovation and luxury.

The non-profit Underfashion Club and the Intimate Apparel Square Club continued their programs in 2012 including the FEMMY Gala last February, the H.U.G. Awards Gala in November, various other programs throughout the year and their annual Holiday parties in December. Both organizations make significant contributions to our industry and raise funds to support their respective causes.

Other charity events included Go Naked and Check Yourself which was hosted in part by Sweetest Sin Boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey and included sponsors LELO and The Lingerie Alliance.

Overall, 2012 was a year full of growth and advancements. I am motivated by the forward movement in our industry and look forward to seeing further progress throughout 2013. I wish all of you the best of health, happiness, a sense of well-being, success and prosperity in your professional lives and in your personal endeavors.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming “Intimate Affairs” which are taking place here in the USA and around the World:

The Lingerie Collective in London- January 13th – 15th, 2013

Salon International de la Lingerie and Interfiliere in Paris- January 19th – 21st, 2013

I’m in sunny southern California for a few days – for both business and pleasure. While here, I had the pleasure of spending a lovely afternoon with boob and bra expert, Elisabeth Dale, author of bOObs- a Guide to your Girls and founder of The Breast Life. We took a lingerie tour of Los Angeles and its environs beginning with the award-winning luxury lingerie boutique, Faire Frou Frou.

Faire Frou Frou is located on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, Ca. This lovely boutique evokes the nostalgia of old Hollywood glamour. The mother-daughter team of Gail and Alison Rubke carefully curate a selection of the world’s finest lingerie which can be best described as elegant, ultra-feminine and sophisticated.

I commend them for including independent, emerging designers and brands in their collection. This tiny space is chock full of discoveries! Just inside the front door is a table featuring the retro-inspired brand Dottie’s Delights which is designed and hand-made by Stephanie Kuhr in Chicago.

For me, the highlight of Faire Frou Frou was the discovery of a new brand, Gold Hawk. Gold Hawk is a local Los Angeles-based brand which includes silk camisoles, tunics and nightgowns. And Alison made a point to show me how each of the Gold Hawk pieces can easily translate into “innerwear as outerwear.” She commented, “Even the floor-length silk gown would look fabulous with a pair of boots and a chunky sweater.” Thanks for the tip, Alison! Every time I picked up a piece of lingerie that grabbed my attention, it carried the Gold Hawk label! I look forward to learning more about this elegant line.

Just a few of the other brands carried at the store include Zinke, Cadolle, Naked Princess, Marlies Dekkers, Ari Dein, The Lake and Stars, Fortnight, Janine Robin, Claudette, Fleur of England, La Fee Verte, Skin, Araks, Else, Deborah Marquit and Result Wear Shapewear. If you’re looking to embrace your inner Glamourpuss…. head to Faire Frou Frou!

Next, Elisabeth and I ventured “over the hill” into Hollywood to visit Jenette Goldstein at Jenette Bras on Melrose. This funky, retro boutique was opened by the spunky Jenette Goldstein in 2009 and caters to D Cups and Up. Jenette says that full-breasted women are “overdeveloped and underserved.” This bra fit salon specializes in quality bras from Europe including Prima Donna, Twist by Prima Donna, Marie Jo, Empreinte, Freya, Panache, Anita and Simone Perele among others.

The boutique is a bit “off the beaten path,” but if you’re looking for a true bra fit salon, this is the place to go. Jenette says that the women that walk into her store are on a mission… they are looking for a properly fitting bra which she says “is indispensable for a chesty gal!” Clients come to Jenette Bras from all over because true bra fit stores are few and far between. Jenette also carries a small selection of lingerie, slips and shapewear from brands including Samantha Chang, Lindsey Roscoe and my friends, the Dirty Dolls. My favorite piece in the store is an under-the-bust shaping slip by Twist by Prima Donna. This shapewear piece is functional and practical, yet sexy as all hell…. To quote Jenette, “You will rock that hourglass, honey!”

After having a bite to eat in a local watering hole, Elisabeth and I headed west on Melrose only to discover that the boutique What Katie Did is closed on Sundays! This did not deter us from continuing our lingerie road trip. Our last destination was the Addiction Nouvelle Lingerie boutique on Robertson in West Hollywood. This minimalist, modern space caters to a young contemporary consumer and carries the brands Mimi Holliday, Valery, Damaris, Lise Charmel and Nina Ricci in addition to its namesake Addiction Nouvelle. Each of these brands is well-constructed of high-quality fabrics such as silk, satin, microfiber, and exquisite European laces. Styles include bras, panties, camisoles, bustiers, babydolls, chemises, full slips, loungewear, sleepwear and robes. I fell in love with the Addiction Nouvelle high-waisted brief!

It was interesting to note that each of the stores we visited had its own unique identity. I appreciated the selection in each of these stores and would highly recommend you pay a visit depending on your personal wants and desires.

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

There’s a chill in the air…And I couldn’t be happier! Before we know it, I’ll be donning my “uniform” of boots, button-downs and blazers. Until then, I’m trying to enjoy the last bit of Summer. I’m down the shore for a few days…attempting to get some much needed rest and relaxation in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, N.J. I much prefer the beach during the “off season.” The weather is still spectacular, yet it’s quiet and peaceful here. I’ve taken walks on the beach, I’ve watched the sunrise at 6:30am, I’ve admired the adorable Victorian-style historic homes that line the streets in this neighborhood, I’ve had some of the best sea scallops I’ve ever tasted, I’ve wandered in and out of the boutiques around town….all by myself. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to cherish my time alone. It’s been a delightful mini vacation!

While down here, I stopped in to see my friend Marla Wink at Indian Summer at Bay Village in Beach Haven. I presented her with a challenge. I was in the market for a new bra…. But I wanted something different. I am such a creature of habit. Nine times out of ten, I walk out of a bra boutique with the same styles I always wear. So, I asked Marla to show me something new. I walked into the store with an open mind and I let her run the show. I told her what I typically wear and what I like and don’t like about the styles currently available to the full-busted consumer. Over the years, I’ve become very loyal to the Eveden family of brands- Fantasie, Freya and Fauve. So, when she suggested I try a Panache bra, I was a little hesitant. But I promised myself to keep an open mind and I’m sure glad I did. We scored! I am in love with my new Panache Andorra Full Cup Bra. We went up a cup to achieve the proper fit. The lace is very soft yet powerful and I love the underbust/cradle construction. The best part? The color is a beautiful, rich teal color called Lagoon. It’s perfect for Fall. Great job, Marla! You passed the test. I hope the bra itself passes the test of time. In addition, Marla had the Fantasie Rebecca bra in stock in color black. This color is back-ordered in most of the stores in the tri-state area so I had to snag it while I could. Lucky me! I walked out of Indian Summer with two new bras to carry me through the end of the year.

Fashion’s Night Out was held on Thursday, September 6th. I spent the evening with Bethenny Frankel at Macy’s Herald Square. The Intimate Affair featured the Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers “Real Woman” Fashion Show. It was great to see Bethenny’s fans on the runway modeling her shapewear line which is designed for every body. They were so full of confidence! The winners of Bethenny’s fashion show contest modeled the shapewear alone as well as styled into various looks which showed the guests how to wear this fashionable line that is meant to be seen. It was an exciting event which was hosted and emcee’d by Bethenny herself.

My partner, Luis Paredes, and I attended Small Boutique Fashion Week on Saturday, September 8, 2012. The SBFW2012 Fashion Show and Market is geared towards small business owners, emerging designers, and novelty designers that are looking to get their start by selling to small boutiques and unique shops. We were pleased to see lingerie-inspired looks on the runway. Several designers presented styles which were constructed of ultra fine and sheer fabrics which revealed the undergarments worn underneath. In essence, the lingerie worn underneath became part of the total look.

The International Lingerie Show (ILS) was held September 10th through the 12th at the RIO in Las Vegas. The ILS trade show leans towards the sexy/adult side of our industry. Luis Paredes of The Lingerie Journal attended the trade show and has posted numerous articles and images of the show on www.TheLingerieJournal.com and on The Lingerie Journal Facebook page.

To celebrate the end of Fashion Week, The Lingerie Alliance hosted the official Nolcha Fashion Week Closing Party in collaboration with Label 55 on Thursday, September 13, 2012. Nolcha Fashion Week is an award-winning event for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. My partner, Luis Paredes, and I were very pleased to be partnered with Label 55 and Nolcha Fashion Week as they share our passion for supporting independent brands.

On Thursday, September 27th, Linda’s in Murray Hill is hosting a Simone Perele Trunk Show from 10am until 9pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view the entire Fall 2012 collection and preview the Spring 2013 collection in store. Linda is offering 10% off all Simone Perele purchases on the 27th (including pre-orders of the Spring 13 styles) plus each guest will receive a Free Gift with purchase. After 6pm, Linda’s will be turned into a “Parisian Paradise” replete with Parisian treats and cocktails. Oooo La La!

Also on September 27th, Sweetest Sin in Red Bank, New Jersey will be celebrating her third anniversary! The party starts in the boutique at 5pm and includes free professional bra fittings, exclusive specials, 10% off all purchases, pink bubbly and light snacks. Then… as if that wasn’t enough…. Guests are invited to join Angie Courtney, owner of Sweetest Sin, for an “after party” at Taste Lounge in the Red Bank Galleria. If you bring your receipt from Sweetest Sin Boutique, you are treated to a free cocktail. The Intimate Affair will feature live music, a Trunk Show showcasing the high-end lingerie and beauty brand Naked Princess, Gift Bags (including items from our favorite luxury brand, Naked Princess,) Raffle Prizes including an exclusive Gift Basket filled with steamy goodies and a Gift Card valued at $200 from Sweetest Sin! As I’ve mentioned before, Angie Courtney is a true partner in her community and gives back in every way she can. At this Intimate Affair, all proceeds from the Raffles and 20% of the proceeds from Taste Lounge will be donated to The Semper Fi Fund. Also, Angie is gearing up for the ING New York City Marathon where she will be running on behalf of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. And, Angie is already making plans for the annual “Go Naked and Check Yourself” fundraiser in mid November which raises awareness of detectable cancers including breast cancer, skin cancer and testicular cancer. More details to follow!

Got Insight? Having an Intimate Affair? Let us know! Everyone can be an Intimate Insider!

Last Friday was a traumatic day here in New York City. The shooting near the Empire State Building occurred in the unofficial Intimate Apparel district. Most lingerie brands and manufacturers have showrooms and offices within a block of New York’s most iconic skyscraper. I had stepped out of the Starbucks on the corner of 33rd & 5th only minutes before the first shots were fired. And several minutes after the shooting took place, we received word that our receptionist had been caught in the crossfire. Luckily, she only suffered a shot to the leg and is expected to make a full recovery. Inevitably, those closest to unexpected tragedies find themselves humbled and grateful while acutely aware of their own humanity and mortality….Ever reminded of those things that matter most. I implore each of you to take a moment of silence today….Simply say “thank you” with sincere humility. The reality is….we work with bras and panties…. We’re not saving lives. We may be saving sex lives…. But we’re not saving lives!

Here are your Intimate Insights for the last official week of Summer….. Happy Labor Day to all!

Last week, the world’s leading internet retailer for men’s underwear and women’s lingerie needs, Freshpair, celebrated the 10th Anniversary of National Underwear Day. Freshpair unveiled a one-of-a-kind “It’s Time for a Change” pop-up store in New York City. The pop-up store provided guests with an “experience” including free underwear from the event’s title sponsors—Calvin Klein, Wacoal, Leonisa, Emporio Armani, 2xist, C-IN2, Rated M, and others—as well as demonstrations of Freshpair’s signature At Home Bra Fitting and Men’s Underwear Club services, advice from style gurus, exclusive specials and giveaways, and a walk through “model alley” where models showed off the latest underwear looks. Check out Freshpair’s new look and unique services which were developed to provide a personalized customer experience at: www.freshpair.com. I had a personal bra fitting from Freshpair’s very own At Home Bra Fit Specialist, Bobbie. And, I walked away with a “fresh pair” of undies courtesy of the event’s title sponsor, Wacoal.

Bethenny says, “When I created Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers, I wanted a sensible solution without compromising fashion. I made sure that Skinnygirl Shapewear was made for real women. It’s the shapewear that you want people to see. That’s why, for Fashion’s Night Out, we’re celebrating with a fashion show that showcases women of all different shapes and sizes feeling confident and sexy in their Skinnygirl Shapewear.” After an online contest which ended last week, three lucky ladies have been chosen to walk in the Skinnygirl Solutions “Real Woman” Fashion Show. For a complete listing of Fashion’s Night Out events in cities around the world, go to www.fashionsnightout.com

SAVE THE DATE: Luis and I are pleased to announce that The Lingerie Alliance will be hosting the official Nolcha Fashion Week Closing Party in collaboration with Label 55 on Thursday, September 13, 2012. Nolcha Fashion Week is an award-winning event for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers. This edition of the event will run from September 10th – 13th, 2012 and will include runway presentations, an exclusive bloggers brunch, fashion lounge, after-parties, networking events, and an official fashion week closing party. Nolcha Fashion Week is officially listed with Mercedes-Benz as one of two recognized Fashion Weeks by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Nolcha offers a range of cost effective options to increase designers’ recognition and develop their businesses. We are very pleased to be partnered with Nolcha Fashion Week as they share our passion for supporting independent brands. We hope you will join us for this Intimate Affair which will provide great networking for industry pros! If you are interested in attending, please email me directly at: moira@thelingeriealliance.com.

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